Bevan, who was registered with South Wales Scorpions, now known as South Wales Ironmen, was originally banned after testing positive for the anabolic androgenic steroid drostanolone and a metabolite of drostanolone following an out-of-competition squad test on 9 February 2015.

On 28 September 2016, a UKAD Doping Control Officer attempted to collect a sample from Mr Bevan at his home address. However, the player refused to provide a sample and was subsequently charged with an ADRV pursuant to Article 2.3 of the World Anti-Doping Code – “Evading, Refusing, or Failing to Submit to Sample Collection”.

Although Bevan admitted the charge, he also sought a reduction in the period of ineligibility under Article 10.6.3 of the World Anti-Doping Code – “Prompt Admission of an ADRV”. The reduction was agreed with WADA and the player’s sanction was subsequently reduced by a period of nine months.

Bevan appealed the decision but his appeal was rejected by an independent National Anti-Doping Panel and he was subsequently banned for seven years and three months.

UKAD’s Director of Operations, Pat Myhill said: “Any athlete who is currently banned remains subject to testing in order to limit the chances of them continuing to use performance enhancing substances whilst banned and then returning to sport. Therefore, it is of vital importance that they make themselves available to us when called upon.

“Mr Bevan’s refusal to submit to sample collection whilst already serving a period of ineligibility is not only a second serious breach of the Anti-Doping Rules but also his core responsibilities as an athlete. We treat violations such as this with the utmost seriousness and would implore athletes of all levels to comply or potentially face a lengthy ban from all sport.”

Bevan is therefore banned from 14 October 2016 until midnight on 14 January 2024.